The Business Cares Food Drive launched its 26th annual campaign Thursday morning at RBC Place, bringing together local businesses, unions, volunteers and city leaders to support the London Food Bank at a time when demand continues to rise.
The event marked the start of a three-week campaign that organizers say is critical for families facing financial pressure heading into the winter months. Chris Montanini, the director of communications at LiUNA Local 1059, said his organization has supported the initiative for many years because of the impact it has on people who are struggling.
“Our members work every day on the infrastructure that keeps our communities moving, but we also think we can play an important role giving people in the community a boost,” he said. “Each and every donation lowers anxiety, lowers stress and helps someone who needs it most during the season.”
Mayor Josh Morgan echoed that message and said the food drive reduces pressure for Londoners who are on the edge of homelessness or dealing with financial hardship. Morgan said even small donations can make a major difference for residents who want to be generous with others but are already stretched thin.
“This helps people who are on the margins of homelessness or struggling financially. Every donation lowers stress for someone who needs it,” he said.
The London Food Bank continues to experience a sharp increase in demand, with more people seeking support than at any time before. Co-director Jane Roy said the organization has seen its workload expand dramatically over the last two years.
“The biggest challenge is the number of people coming to us for help,” she said. “We have doubled in size, doubled in the amount of food that comes in and doubled in the number of people who need our assistance. It is heart wrenching to see so many more Londoners needing help.”
Roy said the food bank now has about 4,000 volunteers on its database and called the campaign a clear example of citizen groups stepping up to help others. She added that while the food bank does important work, it has never seen itself as the answer to poverty and continues to feel the emotional toll of a need that keeps growing.
Campaign chair Wayne Dunn said this year’s launch reflects the long-standing community spirit behind Business Cares, which brings workplaces and volunteers together each year to support local families. The campaign begins with Grocery Weekend, where 1,000 volunteers will be stationed at 43 grocery stores across London.
“We are asking people going into the stores to grab an item or two and give it to one of our volunteers on the way out,” he said. “Demand is 2 per cent more than last year, but that is 50 per cent on top of the past two years.”
The campaign runs until mid-December, with donations supporting Londoners throughout the winter season. For more information on how to contribute, visit businesscares.ca.
